How much does microneedling cost at Melatone?

Single sessions start from £99.99. Courses of three or six are available on enquiry via WhatsApp. RF microneedling and combination protocols with PRP or polynucleotides are priced separately.

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Microneedling · London · Battersea

Microneedling built around your skin type, not the other way around.

Q: Does microneedling pair with polynucleotides or PRP?

Yes, and the combination is well-described in dermatology literature. Polynucleotides or PRP applied topically immediately after microneedling can be absorbed through the micro-channels, which may enhance the regenerative effect. We tailor combination protocols at consultation.

For Fitzpatrick IV to VI, microneedling done wrong leaves dark marks that take months to fade. Done right, with adjusted depth, lower-trauma passes and PIH-aware topical pairing, it remains one of the most evidence-supported treatments for acne scars, melasma adjunctive care and texture. We do it right.

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★ 5.0 Google · 40 reviews · Single sessions from £99.99 · Course of 3 or 6 on enquiry · PIH-safe protocols for Skin of Colour · Delivered by Arman Zaki

Skin of Colour is the design brief

Why so many clinics get this wrong.

Microneedling does not target melanin, so on first reading it looks "safe for all skin tones". The trap is that over-aggressive needling, too deep or too many passes, triggers an inflammatory response that can leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of colour. Many clinics still treat melanin-rich skin with protocols developed on lighter skin.

Our approach: shallower depth where appropriate, fewer passes per session, more sessions across a course, and pre and post topical pairing chosen for pigmentation-prone skin. We discuss your Fitzpatrick type, your history with PIH, and your specific concern at consultation.

If we don't think microneedling is right for you, we will say so.

Mechanism

What's actually happening under the skin.

Sterile needles enter the skin at a calibrated depth, from 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm depending on indication. Each needle creates a micro-channel: a controlled injury that the body reads as a signal to repair.

Repair brings collagen synthesis, elastin remodelling and improved skin turnover. Over a course, the cumulative effect can soften the appearance of atrophic acne scars, refine texture, and improve how the skin reflects light. Topicals applied immediately after, such as polynucleotides or PRP, are absorbed through the micro-channels for an additive effect.

RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy delivered into the dermis through the needle tips. This adds a thermal component for collagen contraction. For pigmentation-prone skin, RF is used selectively and only after assessment.

What we treat

When microneedling is the right answer

Atrophic acne scarring

Rolling and boxcar scars respond best. Ice-pick scars need careful expectation-setting.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation support

Microneedling can accelerate cell turnover. Used cautiously alongside tyrosinase-inhibiting topicals.

Melasma adjunctive care

Microneedling is one input, never the whole plan. Combined with strict sun protection and prescribed topicals.

Skin texture, fine lines, large-pore appearance

Course of 3 to 6 sessions for visible texture refinement.

Stretch marks

Best on early-stage (still pink/red) marks. Mature white stretch marks respond more slowly.

Hair density (scalp microneedling)

Combined with PRP or polynucleotides for androgenetic and post-pregnancy hair changes.

Pricing

Single sessions and structured courses

Single session microneedlingFrom £99.99

Course of 3On enquiry

Course of 6On enquiry

RF microneedlingOn enquiry

Microneedling + polynucleotides or PRPCombination, on enquiry

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Clinical evidence

What the evidence actually says

Reviewed 2026-05-26 by our clinic team. Hedged language because honest evidence rarely promises.

Evidence summary

A systematic review and meta-analysis by Hou et al found microneedling produces statistically significant improvement in atrophic acne scars across multiple studies (Hou 2017). Evidence for microneedling in skin of colour suggests reasonable safety with appropriate protocols and a meaningful response in acne scarring (Cohen & Elbuluk 2016). Combination of microneedling with topical PRP has been studied in androgenetic alopecia and may improve hair density over a course (Dhurat 2013).

Reported outcomes

Reported reduction in the appearance of atrophic acne scars after 3 to 6 microneedling sessions (Hou 2017).
Reported improvement in skin texture and pigmentation parameters in studies on Fitzpatrick IV-VI populations using conservative protocols (Cohen & Elbuluk 2016).
Improved hair density in androgenetic alopecia when microneedling is combined with topical minoxidil or PRP (Dhurat 2013).
Enhanced topical delivery and absorption of actives applied immediately post-procedure (Bao 2022).

Limitations of the current evidence

Most microneedling studies have small to moderate sample sizes and short follow-up. Protocols (depth, pass count, device type) vary widely across studies, making direct comparison difficult. Brand-specific device data is often industry-funded; we prefer mechanism-level systematic reviews and RCTs. Ice-pick acne scars respond less reliably than rolling or boxcar scars across the literature.

Who this suits, who it doesn't

Microneedling suits adults with atrophic acne scarring, texture concerns, mild laxity, early stretch marks, and pigmentation-prone skin when the protocol is adjusted accordingly. Not appropriate during active acne flare in the treatment area, during pregnancy, on areas with active infection, or within 6 months of oral isotretinoin. We do not perform RF microneedling on Fitzpatrick V or VI without a careful test patch first.

Safety profile

Common transient reactions: erythema, mild bleeding spots, sensitivity for 24-48 hours. PIH risk in pigmentation-prone skin is the most relevant longer-term concern and is mitigated by depth adjustment, lower pass-count, and topical pairing. Strict sun protection for 7 days post-session is essential.

Clinical references

Hou A, Cohen B, Haimovic A, Elbuluk N. (2017). Microneedling: A Comprehensive Review. Dermatol Surg, 43(3), 321-339. PMID: 27755171 · DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000924 Level 1
Cohen BE, Elbuluk N. (2016). Microneedling in skin of color: A review of uses and efficacy. J Am Acad Dermatol, 74(2), 348-355. PMID: 26549251 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.09.024 Level 2
Dhurat R, Sukesh M, Avhad G, et al. (2013). A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study. Int J Trichology, 5(1), 6-11. PMID: 23960389 · DOI: 10.4103/0974-7753.114700 Level 2
Bao L, et al. (2022). Enhanced transdermal delivery of cosmeceutical actives via microneedling: a systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol, 21(3), 1042-1054. PMID: 34897973 · DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14704 Level 1

Last reviewed 2026-05-26. References, indexed in PubMed. Individual results vary.

Delivered by

Arman Zaki

Microneedling at Melatone is delivered by Arman Zaki, our Founder and GMC-registered Physician Associate. He has specialist training in PIH-aware protocols for skin of colour. Read Arman's bio.

Common questions

Frequently asked

Is microneedling safe for darker skin tones?+

Yes, with the right protocol. Microneedling does not use heat or wavelengths and so does not target melanin. The risk in skin of colour is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from over-aggressive treatment. We adjust depth, pass-count and topical pairing for Fitzpatrick IV to VI.

How does microneedling help with acne scars?+

Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger wound-healing pathways. Published evidence indicates a course of 3 to 6 sessions may improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars, with greater response in rolling and boxcar scars than in ice-pick scars.

What's the difference between microneedling and RF microneedling?+

Standard microneedling uses sterile needles only. RF microneedling adds radiofrequency energy delivered into the dermis. RF microneedling reaches deeper layers and is used for more severe scarring or skin laxity. For pigmentation-prone skin, RF is approached cautiously.

Does microneedling pair with polynucleotides or PRP?+

Yes. Polynucleotides or PRP applied topically immediately after microneedling can be absorbed through the micro-channels, which may enhance the regenerative effect. We tailor combination protocols at consultation.

How much does it cost?+

Single sessions from £99.99. Courses of 3 or 6 on enquiry. RF microneedling and combination protocols are priced separately.

Related treatments

Continue your skin plan

· Polynucleotides London · regenerative add-on for microneedling.
· PRP London · platelet-rich plasma for hair and face.
· Laser Hair Removal London · safe for every skin tone.
· HydroMED Pro London · 9-in-1 medical facial for skin health.
· Meet the Melatone team.

Built around your skin type.

Book your microneedling consultation on Treatwell in under a minute, or message us on WhatsApp. We will tell you honestly whether this is the right treatment for you.

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